Westport honoured in food and wine awards

Westport honoured at food and wine awards

Ciara Galvin

THE owners and staff at Westport’s Knockranny House Hotel and Spa and An Port Mór were celebrating last week after the announcement of this year’s Food and Wine Magazine/Louis Latour Restaurant of the Year Awards 2013. The awards were announced at a gala luncheon at The Four Seasons in Dublin on Sunday, August 25 last.

Seamus Commons of La Fougère Restaurant at Knockranny House Hotel was crowned Best Chef in Connacht for the third year running. The award-winning chef was humble after taking home the coveted title, playing down his win.

“Being voted Best Chef in Connacht for the third year running is not just about me, but rewards the consistently impressive levels of hard work, high standards and dedication of all the great kitchen team here at Knockranny House Hotel,” he stated.

His colleague at the hotel, Nicholas Faujours was also celebrating a win, after being crowned Best Sommelier in Ireland at the awards. The French man is married to a Mayo woman and has worked in the hotel for the past four years.

“I love living and working in this part of the world, and being part of the team at Knockranny House Hotel has made this award possible for me,” he said, adding: “I’m delighted and proud to have my work and the work of all the restaurant team in La Fougère recognised by this prestigious award.”

An Port Mór was also celebrating after it took the Highly Recommended Restaurant and Recommended Chef Certificates in Connacht.

Speaking to The Mayo News about the win, proprietor and Head Chef at An Port Mór, Frankie Mallon, said he was thrilled. “I’m delighted for all the team who work so hard, and it’s obviously a big thumbs up for our commitment to working with local seasonal ingredients and consistently delivering a high standard of food and service. It’s great to get recognised by our peers in such a competitive business, and again it’s very much a team effort,” he said.